2013 Two Pound Coin - The Guinea

The Guinea is a famous British gold coin minted between 1663 and 1814. The coin was originally created as a one pound coin (20 shillings) but is better known as being worth One Pound and One Shilling (21 shillings).

This coin was produced to celebrate the 350th Anniversary of the Guinea.

The reverse, designed by Anthony Smith ARBS, shows a recreation of the design on what became known as the "spade guinea": a shield with the arms of King George III. The surrounding legend is "ANNIVERSARY OF THE GOLDEN GUINEA 2013".

The edge is milled and is inscribed with the Stephen Kemble quotation "WHAT IS A GUINEA? ‘TIS A SPLENDID THING", as the Guinea has been often associated in the past with people of higher class.